Supplement recommendations please

It sounds as though you have fantastic support from your GP! I was diagnosed last year and am totally confused about the information I was given on the DESMOND course (eat regular carbs in smaller portions) and people on the online forums who are having great success with very low carb and, in many cases, keto. I could not go as low as they do but can easily lower mine to 50 - 75g per day. I've always enjoyed small portions of whole grain rice and pasta once a week and love porridge but need to decide which advice to follow! Anyway, thanks again and I will designate some study time each day over the next few weeks - I actually enjoy that. I have noted the name of the alternative to Metformin- I take 500mg SR - thank you. You obviously take very good care of yourself and advice is always welcome!

PS. Blood Vitamin B12 tests won't show whether you're absorbing it.

Starof1972

Thank you for pointing that out as I wasn't aware and I do take Metformin. Now that I'm in a position to make these changes I realise that there is much I should research. When results are borderline I feel it warrants further testing after a few months so I will ask for that.

Sorry to sound a bit like a know-it-all, but I was diagnosed with T2 diabetes 30 years ago and I've learnt quite a bit along the way.

I was taking the maximum dose of Metformin for years, but changed to Dapagliflozin about 18 months ago. It's more expensive than Metformin and one of the newer diabetes drugs. Unfortunately, some GPs haven't even heard about it, but it has been shown to protect the heart. I've had a heart attack and the new GP I was lucky enough to see changed my meds immediately. I've reduced my dose of Metformin and I noticed within weeks that I had more energy and felt fitter. My glucose readings are consistently lower too.

That's in addition to eating a very low carb diet and making sure I keep moving.

I take Wellwoman 70+ too, and in addition, Vitamin D and a probiotic for tum health.

Thank you for pointing that out as I wasn't aware and I do take Metformin. Now that I'm in a position to make these changes I realise that there is much I should research. When results are borderline I feel it warrants further testing after a few months so I will ask for that.

Starof1972

That's really interesting, thank you. My B12 results and Vitamin D levels were borderline but within acceptable range. I do take a high dose of Vitamin D year round but hopefully the B12 in this supplement will help.

Just a thought. Do you take Metformin? It affects the absorption of Vit B12, which means that it's not being absorbed, no matter how much you take orally. It could be that you need injections.

Patsy70 thank you for that. I eat a very healthy diet in the main but perhaps a litte too much of it over the past few months However, I am slowly decreasing the steroids as of yesterday and have a friend who is a personal trainer and he will start me on a gentle regime to loosen up my joints. I insist on paying him the going rate, despite his kind offer of free sessions, and I am feeling positive. Combined with my walking I hope to feel the benefit. I have 11lbs to lose as of this morning and I know that's completely doable in time for the warmer weather!
Thanks for the encouragement and the flowers

V3ra, I also use Healthspan, and recommend them. Lots of useful advice and information in their literature and online. I’m sure you already know this Starof1972, but focussing on the foods that contain these vital vitamins is the first step, and avoiding the unhealthy food is important. If you would like to lose the weight you’ve gained maybe join a class? I do hope you feel better soon - the long, cold, dark days are nearly over, and a return to sunshine and warmth will help. 💐

That's really interesting, thank you. My B12 results and Vitamin D levels were borderline but within acceptable range. I do take a high dose of Vitamin D year round but hopefully the B12 in this supplement will help.

When Mum (aged 92) was feeling tired and drained of energy. She didn't want to go anywhere, or do anything. Her doctor ordered a blood test. When the doctor received the results, she prescribed Vit B12, Folic Acid and Vit D.

Within 6 weeks, Mum was a new woman!

Thank you, I think I will take the time to read up more whilst I give these a month to see if they help - I should have done that first off of course but I was eager to make changes yesterday as it coincided with other beneficial steps I took and I'm looking at it as a new start Thanks again!

I get my supplements online from Healthspan. They come in letterbox-friendly boxes.
If you set up a repeat order there is a £2 price reduction.
The website has lots of useful information and articles.

I would not waste my money. If your GP really thought it would help he would have prescribed something. I would concentrate on a good diet, fresh fruit and vegetables. As others have said, it can be risky and with some, you may be peeing it away!

I used to take seven seas multibionta they had a probiotics in them too. I’ve been unable to find them for ages, but I’ve found boots do their own version so started them recently. Hope their as good.

I test regularly too.

Starof1972

Yes I'm aware of the dangers to diabetics. With regards to the extra stone I'm carrying, I have always been just under 9 stone but was bed bound for most of last year and am still taking steroids - no-one knows the personal circumstances affecting those of us who post asking for advice. Thanks to you all anyway.

I wasn't "blaming" you for being overweight, but if you're bedbound and overweight, that's likely to be the reason for your lack of energy. I can't see how a supplement will counteract that, but for your sake I hope I'm wrong.

PS. I'm diabetic and know from my own personal circumstances how much even a slight imbalance in blood sugars and/or weight gain affects me. I don't take supplements, but I have invested in a blood sugar monitor and I buy testing strips.

Thank you both! I have ordered the Vitabiotics and my husband is going to buy himself some of the basics range from Lidl or Aldi tomorrow. I'll have a good look at the labels to compare!

I take Vitabiotics Wellwoman 70+ multi vitamins tablets daily. I started taking them when my vitamin D tablets were unavailable. My nails have never been better.

i doubt there is much real difference between them.
why don't you start with a supermarket one.
i get them from Lidl. much cheaper than boots.
superdrug is usually cheaper too.
i get Lidl's multivitamin with iron.

Yes I'm aware of the dangers to diabetics. With regards to the extra stone I'm carrying, I have always been just under 9 stone but was bed bound for most of last year and am still taking steroids - no-one knows the personal circumstances affecting those of us who post asking for advice. Thanks to you all anyway.

Be very careful with magnesium. Too much can cause calcium to be deposited in the arteries rather than the bones, which can be a risk factor for heart attacks. Too much Vitamin B can affect the kidneys. As I'm sure you're aware, diabetics have a high risk of heart attacks/strokes and kidney disease, so overdosing on vitamins could be dangerous.

To be honest, if you're a stone overweight, you might find that losing the excess weight would help with your energy levels.

Good morning. I use a wonderful company based in Cambridge called FUTURE YOU. You phone them to say what you would like and then set up a direct debit. They post the items to you. Magnesium, turmeric, vitamin D and C are all proved to be supplements older people can benefit from.
please see their website. There is no hard sell, I promise.

Thank you both. Yes Boots may be a good place to start. The pharmacist I spoke to didn't seem very interested to be honest - rather vague - but perhaps I'll try another chemist. Or maybe H&B as I forgot about them and I imagine their staff are pretty knowledgeable.

Boots own are cheaper than branded and they often have 3 for two offers.

I always trust the Pharmacist